Page 111 of Loving the CEO

With another kiss to Tory’s head, I went with Nick to open the door, my brother whistling on the way.

"Why are you suddenly looking so cheerful?" I asked.

"Because Gran is getting another great-grandkid, so everything will be right in the world. She'll focus on the little one and..."

"Forget about you?"

"Indeed."

"How are you still hoping for that?"

He looked at me with a very serious expression. "Because otherwise, I’ll show up here with a date one day, and I won’t even know how the hell that happened."

I didn't contradict him because that was completely plausible.

The catering team moved around efficiently, and before long, we were all enjoying dinner.

I had to give Nick credit. Gran's focus had completely shifted. She was glued to Natalie, asking her all sorts of details and offering advice. But long term, I didn’t think my brother was completely off the hook.

"Ginger candy is very good for morning sickness," Gran mentioned.

"That is a good tip," Natalie said. "I'm not doing too bad right now, but I'd still rather not be sick at all."

After dessert, which was panna cotta and tiramisu, everyone started to leave. Tory and I left along with Cade and Meredith.

"Are you okay?" I asked her once we were in the car. "What did Gran tell you when she dragged you to the kitchen?"

She looked at me with a solemn expression and moved her fingers over her mouth, as if she was zipping her lips. "What was said in the kitchen stays in the kitchen and in here." She tapped her temple.

"No wonder Gran likes you," I told her.

"You're so lucky to have her. To have the entire family."

"I know. It’s a privilege. It was hard work for us half brothers to all get along, but I'm happy we put in the effort and made it work. Now I can’t imagine my life without them."

Tory yawned. "I figured I would get some energy from all those sweet treats, but I'm starting to feel sleepy."

"You want to come over to my house?" I asked.

"Hmm," she said, wiggling her eyebrows. "Taking advantage of my sleepiness to get in my pants?"

I laughed. "You know it."

"That was a solid effort in seduction," she said, "I give it a seven out of ten."

I growled. "What?"

"It was enough to convince me. So, yes, I totally want to come to your place."

"Seven out of ten," I muttered.

I was going to show her seven out of ten.

It didn't take long to arrive home. She was even sleepier when we got there.

"Stay put," I instructed.

"You plan to seduce me in the car? Because that might just drop your grade to a six."

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